Inn at Saratoga

A middle statured, Sicilian-American bartender…

I’ve never been thrown out of a bar, but at only 67 years old, I still have time. When I check off this bucket list item, I want to avoid a trip to the hospital emergency room, what with the long wait time and all. I would rather be just scared out of my wits, as I back pedal to the door, protesting loudly.

I may try this with a middle statured, Sicilian-American bartender, like John Caraco. I once saw John come over a bar, straight for a very large, muscled, mustachioed, drunk and obnoxious son of a bitch. Oh my, I thought, “and no reinforcements.” Caraco stared the guy down, with his head bent all the way back, so he could see the guys eyes, way up there. And he moved in to punch the drunk, I thunk. Not sure. No punch was thrown, but the big guy backpedaled, then turned and ran out of the place. It made quite an impression on all of us. We ordered just light beer the rest of the night.

You can meet John at The Inn at Saratoga, on South Broadway in Saratoga Springs, where he bartends on Wednesday nights. He’s actually a very affable and interesting guy, with many stories of Old Saratoga. Some are even true.

The food there is very good, and the ambiance authentic and warm. Two of our favorite musicians, Chris —— and Tim —— typically play there on Wednesday nights. They are wonderful! To me, Tim sounds a lot like Gordon Lightfoot, maybe even better.